Java is regarded to be the world’s Numero Uno programming language. Developed by Sun Microsystems (later taken over by Oracle Corporation), Java is the preferred choice of programmers to code application software that requires functioning on multiple platforms. From embedded devices to mobile phones and even large scale enterprise servers, Java is literally used in every facet of software development. With the coming of Internet of Things, Java will gain more importance as a software development language.

Java on Desktops

Oracle claims that an estimated 800 million desktops have Java running. JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is an integral component of the Microsoft Windows OS which powers several desktop applications like Eclipse IDE, Vuze, LimeWire, NetBeans, etc.

Java on Mobile devices

Java Mobile Environment runs at par as a mobile OS with BREW, .NET Compact Framework and Symbian. Further, Google’s Android also uses Java although the class libraries do not form part of it.

Java for Enterprises

Java acts as a bridge that interlinks the backend of enterprise solutions to the web. Several enterprises were able to take leverage of Internet capabilities with the help of Java. Especially in the case of dynamic websites like online banking, credit card payments, travel bookings, etc. Java plays an inevitable role.

Java 2 Standard Edition 5.0 features

Java 2 Standard Edition 5.0 was released on September 2004. It was released under the code name Tiger and was decked with several new language features like static import, For-each loop, Autoboxing and Unboxing, Varargs, Annotations, Enum, Generics, etc.

For-each loop

The For-each loop is mainly used to navigate through collection elements and arrays. For-each loop makes the code more easily readable and comprehendible for developers. It spares the need to squint at long arrays of codes before spotting the desired one. Ultimately, For-loop helps developers create bug-free codes easily.

Autoboxing and Unboxing

Autoboxing refers to conversion of primitive data types into equivalent Wrapper types. The opposite action is referred to as Unboxing. Autoboxing and Unboxing feature introduced in J2SE 5.0 spares developers from the need to manually write the conversion code as the process is automated.

Varargs

J2SE 5.0 introduces Varargs which will enable coders to make the code accept null or multiple arguments. In the previous versions, either the overload method had to be used or a specific array to be used as the parameter. However, these both methods resulted in maintenance issues as a result of which the need for a facility like Vararg was created. It also requires the developer to punch in only less number of codes thus saving time and effort.

Static Import

Java users have to constantly access static members of a class through specific class names. This required use of long coding which was prone to errors. With static import functionality, coders can directly call upon any static member of a class directly without the need to write long codes.

Annotations

Java annotations are used to feed more information about classes, methods, fields, etc. They are alternatives for Java marker interfaces or XML. J2SE 5.0 enables developers to use several built-in annotations as well as create their own custom annotations.